SAFN Lab


The Self-Assembled Functional Nanomaterials (SAFN) group led by Prof. Mu-Ping Nieh focuses on the research to develop experimental approaches, e.g., scattering and microscopy, to probe nano- or micro-structures of the materials that have advanced, unique functions. Through these researches, we aim to (1) understand the structure-function relationships of functional materials, (2) predict the self-assembling morphology based on molecular architecture and properties, in collaboration with molecular dynamic simulations, and (3) apply the principles of self-assembly to construct advanced biomaterials, therapeutic/diagnostic delivery carriers, sensing and energy materials.

News

  • 2024
    Kamila Zygadlo, Chung-Hao Liu, Emmanuel Reynoso Bernardo, Huayue Ai, Mu-Ping Nieh, Lindsey A. Hanson. “Correlating structural changes in thermoresponsive hydrogels to the optical response of embedded plasmonic nanoparticles” Nanoscale Adv, 6, 146-154
    Posted on August 25, 2025
  • 2023
    Chung-Hao’s paper on “Synthesis of Polymer Nanoweb via a Lipid Template” is published in the ACS Macro Letters  (07/2023) The paper” Next-generation poly-L-histidine formulations for miRNA mimic delivery” in collaboration with Prof. Bahal is published in Molecular Therapy-Methods & Clinical Development (06/2023) Chung-Hao received the Pre-doctoral Travel Award from CBE in 2022-2023, congratulations! (05/2022) Donyeil […]
    Posted on June 6, 2023
    https://events.uconn.edu/live/json/v2/events/response_fields/location,summary/date_format/%25F%20%25j,%20%25Y/max/4/start_date/today/end_date/6 months/
  • Sep
    22
    Art Exhibit in Celeste LeWitt Gallery at UConn Health
    UConn Health
    ALL DAY

    Andrea Sanchez celebrates her Taino ancestry and indigenous Puerto Rican heritage, plus expressive portraiture and vibrant compositions in acrylic by Jaii Marc Renee.

  • Sep
    22
    Employee Art Exhibit
    UConn Health
    ALL DAY

    Our latest employee art exhibit is on view in our Connector Gallery (main floor corridor between CT and University Towers).

  • Sep
    22
    FRAME Contest: Your Research in the Spotlight
    ALL DAY

    The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is launching the first annual Featured Research Art & Media Exhibit (FRAME) Contest — and we want your research on our walls.

  • Sep
    22
    Open Air 2025 – Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition
    Alexey von Schlippe Gallery of Art (Avery Point)
    ALL DAY

    Open Air 2025 is the Alexey von Schlippe Gallery’s fifth annual exhibition of outdoor sculpture displayed along the shoreline path at UConn Avery Point.

Contact

Dr. Mu-Ping Nieh 

Email: mu-ping.nieh@uconn.edu

Phone: 860-486-8708

Address:

Polymer program, Institute of Materials Science

25 King Hill Road, MZ221

Storrs, CT 06269-3136